I thought “Autism: The Musical” was old news. At my brother’s request, I borrowed a copy of this movie through Netflix to coincide with my brother’s visit while he was working on a project to design a sensory center (he’s a student of architecture) that would, should it ever be built, meet the diverse sensory needs of children with autism while also removing averse sensory stimuli from the building’s design. The research he conducted while he was here included long conversations with me, meetings with some of our service providers, and watching this video to get reactions from my mom and me. Time is only a passing acquaintance of mine that leaves few discernible marks in my memory – meaning I don’t know when this viewing occurred. However, it was months and months ago.
Autism: The Musical was released in April, 2007, and seemed like “old news” when I watched it. Now, over two years later, it’s still having a newsworthy impact.
“I cannot make people value my daughter,” one mother said, while speaking of her child during an emotional showing of “Autism: The Musical” on Sunday.
That one quote quickly became a talking centerpiece at the event.
Honestly, I don’t remember the entirety of my reaction to this movie. I do know there were some parts I considered seriously controversial. I also know that Autism Speaks posted this description: “As it follows their journey, the audience not only better understands the nature of what autism is, but celebrates the joyful spirit of each child.” Not without irony. I also remember that it provided an excellent platform for my brother to experience the diversity that is autism beyond what my three unique little boys can provide.
What I also know is that Autism: The Musical supports getting involved in Autism Speaks, Cure Autism Now, and the (seemingly out-of-place) Miracle Project.
If it serves as a vehicle for communicating the value of autistic persons, that’s pretty good news. However, I can’t help but think valuing autistic persons and curing people of autism are conflicting paradigms.
I do agree with this, especially because the autistic children are played by non-autistic actors. I strongly believe that autism cannot be duplicated by a non-autistic without stereotyping. An accurate representation of autism can only be done by an autistic person who is showing their own mannerisms. But that’s just my opinion.
Why do you say the autistic children are played by non-autistic actors? All the information I’ve found online indicates the children were genuinely themselves, not actors.
“An accurate representation of autism can only be done by an autistic person who is showing their own mannerisms. But that’s just my opinion.”
I believe a trained actor can portray an autistic character if they put in the work (studying the habits, talking with autistic people, getting feedback on their performance). That’s part of art.
However, I would not agree that an actor should ever play an autistic person in a documentary. This movie is supposed to be a documentary, and if the children are actors and not autistic children then there is a dishonesty element that needs a great deal of attention.